Lydia

"Jesus." I flinched as one of our players were slammed into the plexiglass in front of us. I have no idea how they can take a hit like that and just skate off like nothing happened.

"Come on guys get the damn puck." I heard Josie yell a few seats down from me. She's been screaming the whole game, I wouldn't be surprised if she loses her voice later.

"God they are playing rough." Tasha beside me winced.

We are all currently sitting in the stands watching the final game before the playoffs. The Knights were pretty much guaranteed a spot but of course the guys wanted to be number one in the division. None of the guys half ass anything.

"Haven't seen Trevor in the box this much before." The both of us glanced over at the box where Trevor was currently sitting. He only had another minute left inside but this was his sixth time being put in the penalty box. Both him and Bryton have spent quite a bit of time in the box this game.

The team was ahead by one goal as the clock ticked down. They needed to hold the team off for another three minutes.

"It's like he's in time out." Mateo poked his head between us. Him and Landon were sitting behind us girls since there wasn't room for all of us on the same row. "Like a little kid in time out." He joked.

"A little kid that could kick your ass." Tasha replied back.

"He wishes." Mateo snorted.

"Dare you to say that to his face later." Landon said from behind me. I've been trying to focus on the game but it was next to impossible with him behind me. I was hyper aware of every movement he made. His knees brushed against my upper shoulders, thanks to his long ass legs and short seats.

I felt the brush of fingertips along my neck making me shiver. Over the course of the game every so often Landon would do this. Just enough to make me shiver and want more than the brief touch. He's a fucking tease.

"I will. Not like he can catch me anyways." Beside me Tasha snorted.

"Yeah I'm not saving your ass when you do." I didn't have to look at Landon to know he was shaking his head at his younger brother.

"You do know he has more muscle mass than you right?" I looked over my shoulder at Mateo.

"Babe have you seen these arms?" Mateo lifted his arm and flexed. Even under his thick jersey that had his brothers number on it, I could see the muscle of his bicep. I swear every time I see him he's gotten even buffer.

"Sorry hun but all I see is a stick arm." I sent him a sad look.

"L." He fake gasped like he was hurt. "That was cruel."

"The truth hurts sometimes." I reached back and patted his knee.

"Landon she's being mean to me." Mateo whined like a little kid.

"Maybe you deserve it." Came Landon's response.

"You're my big brother. You're suppose to defend me and my honor." I snorted at the word honor.

"Yeah not gonna happen." We both knew that was a lie. Landon would go to the ends of the earth to defend and protect his brothers. After learning what I did earlier this week I've started to see Landon in a whole new way.

Yes he can still be an asshole at times but he's an asshole who has given up so much to be there for his family and to protect them. Keeping this secret about his father from everyone can't be an easy burden to carry.

I saw the look on his face when he told me. Like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. All I could do was hug him and hope that telling me helped ease some of the weight.

I haven't seen him in the following days, the two of us busy with work. Seeing him this morning as we all walked into the arena I couldn't help but think he looked a little less tense. More than likely kidding myself that I helped with that.

I shook myself out of my thoughts tuning back into the game. The crowd around us getting louder as the time clock showed only one minute left.

Being here in the arena, surrounded by fans, was electrifying. The way your body starts buzzing and your heart pounds. Your ears ring but in a good way. Everyone's excitement was contagious. Never knew I'd like hockey so much.

I watched as Bryton barreled down the ice, expertly moving the puck between and around players. Down to my left I could hear Sydni cheering her boyfriend on.

Bryton suddenly came to a stop, ice flying, twisting his body to hit the puck around the opposing player right to Wyatt. Wyatt who wasted no second in skating hard down the ice towards the goalie. God he looked like a beast on the ice. He towered over everyone and looked ten times more intimidating with all the extra padding.

Tasha's hand clamped around my arm, finger nails digging in as she watched her boyfriend. I could feel her holding her breath, her hand death grip on my arm tightening.

I watched with rapt attention as Trevor weaved around players, shoulder checking as he went. The hits he received not even bothering him as he skated. The buzzer was seconds away from going off as Trevor looked for a way to score.

The other team had at least three players on him, trying their hardest to get the puck back. You could practically feel the tension in the air as Trevor wrestled with another guy. I sucked in a breath as Trevor managed to get free of the guy. Arm moving back before snapping the puck forward.

It was like slow motion as the puck soared across the ice. Before another could grab the puck Wyatt was there, hockey stick already in motion as he hit the puck. Sending it right into the top of the net.

It was like the whole arena went silent as they took in the shot. Then instantly the whole place roared. The seats shaking as everyone jumped up and screamed.

Beside me Tasha shot to her feet, her hand still gripping my arm pulling me up as well. We turned to each other with wide smiles. She let go of my arm to turn around and hug Josie. Not even a second later an arm wrapped around my shoulders. Instantly knew who it was as Landon's beard tickled the skin of my neck.

I felt his lips against my neck for only just a second before he pulled away. It was so fast but it was enough to make my skin tingle and my cheeks turn pink.

The smile that graced my face had nothing to do with the Knights winning.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

As the elevator rode up to the top floor I nervously fiddled with my dress. The team planned a celebration dinner at one of the high rise hotels here in Toronto. It was only for friends, family and management so it shouldn't be too bad. The only reason I felt comfortable coming tonight was knowing my friends would be here. And I guess I can't complain about being surrounded by attractive hockey players.

Stepping out of the elevator I made my way down the hallway, following the sound of voices. My heels clinked on the floor as I came to a huge conference room. I recognized most of the faces as I walked further into the room.

"Lydia!" At the sound of my name I turned just in time to see Josie making her way towards me, grinning. "You look stunning." She pulled me into a tight hug.

"Loving the dress." I pulled back looking at her outfit. The black dress was simple but so Josie. Higher neckline with the bottom showing leg.

"Love the matching black."

I ran my hand down my own black dress. I bought it on a whim a few weeks ago and thought tonight would be the perfect time to wear it. The silky fabric gave off sultry, sexy vibes that I was definitely here for.

"Thanks." I looked around the room. "Where is your fiancé?"

"Celebrating." She waved her hand behind her. "Drink?"

"Yes please." Looping her arm with mine the two of us headed for the bar off to the side of the room.

"Bet today's been a whirlwind." I said, leaning against the bar counter, eyes scanning the crowd.

"Seriously. First the game, finalized all the stuff for the wedding this afternoon, and now the party."

"You really need this drink then." I gave the guy behind the counter a grateful smile before grabbing my glass of wine. "Does that mean everything is all set for the wedding?"

"Yep." Josie beamed. "All that's left is making sure the guys don't forget their tux's and pick up my dress."

"Don't you worry. Tasha will be on their asses."

"She's already threatened them if they so much as step a toe out of line." She snorted.

"Sounds like Tasha." I smiled against my glass. "Are you guys going to release pictures to the press afterwards?" I know with Wyatt being who he is there's be a lot of press and excitement over their wedding.

When the two of them got engaged they did a photoshoot which ended up on almost every magazine and news outlet here in Toronto. Twitter went crazy over the news of star hockey player Wyatt Boone being engaged. Every other day I swear Josie and Wyatt are trending about the upcoming wedding. So far no one in the press knows the actual day of the wedding. They've managed to keep it under wraps so it can just be their day with no distractions.

"Yeah a few days after we'll release some of our pictures." Josie turned to look at me. "The offer to write about our wedding still stands. You can be the only magazine with an exclusive look."

This isn't the first time Josie's asked. When her and Wyatt realized they'd have to share pictures of their wedding to people, Josie came to me and asked if I'd do it. I was touched she wanted me to but it didn't feel right making a profit on my best friends big day.

"Jo-"

"I know you said it doesn't feel right but you know me. You know Wyatt. You'd make sure everything was done right."

Old me would have said yes instantly. Being the only magazine in the city to have an exclusive look at their wedding is a huge deal. But the last thing I want is to take advantage of anyone, let alone Josie and Wyatt.

The first magazine company I worked with while in my senior year of Uni was great at first. I liked my internship. I liked learning how the business worked and seeing writers write their pieces. When the writer I was interning under offered me a chance at write an article I jumped at the chance.

I did everything she asked and more. I worked my ass off to write that damn article. I wanted to prove that I was meant to be there and to show that I was learning from the girl mentoring me. Didn't want her to look bad because I did poorly.

So of course I did everything possible to make sure it was great. I gave it to her to look it over and make sure it was okay before thinking about sending up the chain of command. At the time I hadn't realized just how cut throat the business was. That everyone would step on others to get further.

Days later I hadn't heard back about my article and thought it wasn't good enough. I had let it slide until a friend of mine that was interning with me sent me a link. A link to my article but with my 'mentors' name stamped on it, right on the front page of the magazine.

When I tried to tell one of the head editors that the article was mine there was nothing they could do. The article was already out. When I confronted my so called mentor about it she just shrugged and said 'sometimes you have to take advantage or you'll be left in the dust'.

I was made to be a stepping stone in someone else's career. I refuse to be that person.

"I won't push you to do it but just think about it." Josie reached over and squeezed my arm.

"Thanks. I'll..I'll let you know in a couple of days." Before we could say anything else both of our names were called.

Turning I found Tasha and Sydni walking towards us, their boyfriends a step behind them. I couldn't stop my eyes from looking behind them to see if someone else was with them. My heart sunk a little not seeing him. Pushing the feeling aside I plastered on a smile.

"You look gorgeous." I said I as hugged Tasha. Her baby blue dress matching her tan skin perfectly. Her blonde pulled up into a cute messy ponytail. She really could have been a model if she wanted too.

We all looked great but Sydni stole the show. Her deep emerald green dress was stunning. Her curly brown hair going down her back. She was radiating.

"You have to tell me where you got this dress." I said pulling back from our hug. "It's gorgeous."

As Sydni and I talked Wyatt slid up next to Josie, pulling her into his side. I was once again the seventh wheel. It was painfully obvious too. I knocked back the rest of my wine before asking for another.

Slowly one by one my friends left to go mingle, leaving me at the bar. I leaned back against the counter, wine in hand as I people watched. I felt someone slid up next to me a few minutes later.

"What is a beautiful woman like you doing over here by yourself?" My lips quirked up at the lame pickup line. Turning my head I found a slightly familiar guy standing next to me. I couldn't seem to remember his name but he looked familiar. He was definitely a player from the team.

Dark brown hair that was shaved on the sides but longer on top. He was clean shaven which showed off his nice jawline. He was attractive, very much so, but when I looked at his brown eyes all I could see was a pair of green/blue ones.

"Coming to keep me company?"

"Of course. Can't let you stand here alone." He smirked. "I'm Max."

"Lydia."

"Beautiful name." I had to hold make a snort at his words. Corny as hell. I didn't need to know Max well enough to know he's a player and only wanted to get laid.

As attractive as Max is I wasn't interested. Better to tell him now than lead him on all night. Just as I was about to tell him just that something, more like someone, caught my eye. I knew who it was immediately.

The moment Landon walked into the room all the background noise disappeared. All my focused zeroed in on him. I felt my mouth dry at the sight of him. Lighter tan dress pants paired with a dark blue button up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his forearms. From here I could see his biceps pushing against the fabric. Fuck he looked hot.

Not wanting to get caught drooling I forced my eyes away, only then noticing Evelyn was holding onto his arm. I stood up a little straighter, waiting for his eyes to meet mine. Josie and Wyatt appeared wrapping Evelyn in a hug.

I watched with bated breath as Landon looked around, almost like he was scanning the crowd. I stilled as his eyes finally met mine. I don't know what I was expecting but it definitely wasn't him to look right over me as if I wasn't there. His gaze slid right past me.

My throat tightened as my heart squeezed in my chest. The hurt that filled me at his lack of acknowledgement had me clenching my wine glass. I didn't need Landon to march over here and say hello but he could have at least shown that he saw me.

Hurt and anger grew in my chest. I get the two of us were just messing around, even though its started to feel more than that, and he didn't want the others to find out but his lack of anything hurt more than I cared to admit.

"You okay?" Max's voice beside me broke me out of my staring. I shouldn't be hurt. Landon wasn't mine and I wasn't his. He can do whatever he wants and so can I. I knew what I was about to do wouldn't help matters but I was being driven by anger and hurt.

"Perfect." I turned my whole body to face Max. Putting on a coy smile I looked up at him from under my lashes. "What's it like being a hockey player?"

* * * * * * * * * * * * 

Moving through the crowds I made my way back to the bar. I've only been here an hour and I've already had three glasses. Need something to dull the fact I've been ignored the entire time and that everyone seems to having a great time while I'm not.

Sure I've been flirting with every player on the team, cause why the hell not, but none of it meant anything. Maybe a few months ago I would have loved being here. Flirting with hot athletes, maybe taking one home.

Now I just wanted to go home. Take off this dress that I was hoping would be on Landon's floor all night. The anger I felt earlier for him has now turned on myself. I was angry I cared so much. Him ignoring me shouldn't hurt as bad as it does.

As I made my way to the bar I noticed Josie and Wyatt were off to the side, wrapped up in each other as they talked to Sydni and Bryton. The other couple looking just as in love as ever. I haven't seen Tasha and Trevor in a bit but was pretty sure they snuck off somewhere to do god knows what. I also noticed Evelyn standing pretty damn close to Coach Barnum. I raised an eyebrow at how cozy they looked. Interesting.

Signaling the bartender for another drink I turned around to face the room. Over the last hour the room has gotten louder. Conversation and drinks flowing. Everyone seemed to be having a nice time as the night went on.

It became abundantly clear I shouldn't be here. There was no reason for me to be here. All my friends were busy and I know they don't mean to but with them all being in love I was the outcast of the group.

With the feeling that I was imposing I pushed away from the bar. My eyes roamed the room one last time, snagging on one person. Landon was standing off to the side talking to a woman.

My chest tightened at the sight. The woman was beautiful. She looked tall with mile long legs and looked like she may be a model. I was envious of her dress and how it hugged her figure. I watched as she laughed at something Landon said, a smile gracing his face as well. A smile usually reserved for me.

Unable to be here any longer I quickly apologized to the bartender for getting me a drink before heading for the exit. Everyone was too busy to notice me slipping out which I was grateful for. I love Josie but I don't want her to try and convince me to stay.

As the elevator went down to the lobby I opened my clutch and sent Josie and the girls a quick text telling them I had left. I would be seeing them Sunday for dinner anyways.

The feeling in my chest grew with each passing second. The image of Landon and someone else front and center in my mind. This feeling wasn't one I've had in a very very long time. Jealousy was an ugly thing when it rears its head. Pair that with hurt...yeah not a good combination.

As the elevator doors opened I shook my head at myself. I'd been in a little bubble of just Landon and I and tonight just reminded me that I could never really be with someone like Landon Boone. 

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